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Garrett County Gran Fondo

Gran fondo guide

The Garrett County Gran Fondo has a ride for everyone from the recreational cyclist to seasoned professionals with five supported ride options. The 125 mile “Diabolical Double Metric”, the 105 mile “Savage Century”, the 63 mile “Masochistic Metric”, and the 44 mile “Fabulous 44” all contain very steep and challenging hills. The “Garrett’s Greatest 25” includes hills but is appropriate for the recreational cyclist not desiring to undertake the more extreme Gran Fondo ride offerings.

7 separate timed KOM climbs encompass a total of 11.8 miles and 4400′ elevation gain.  A true climbing test!

The Garrett County Gran Fondo “Diabolical Double” was selected in 2009 by Rapha Continental as one of the top 25 Epic Rides in North America and riders unanimously agreed the ride ranked was “one of the most stunning and demanding rides of the summer”. At 125 miles and 16,500 feet of climbing, this ride is an extreme challenge on par with any single day ride in the world, including the European climbing classics such as Etape du Tour, la Marmotte, and the classic Italian Gran Fondos. Compact cranks or triples are very strongly encouraged.

The “Diabolical Double” – the feature event of the Garrett County Gran Fondo, the Diabolical Double is a true, extreme epic on par with European climbing classics such as Etape du Tour, la Marmotte, and the classic Italian Gran Fondos. At 125 miles and 16,500 feet of climbing, the Diabolical Double is an all-day affair that is an extreme challenge for even the most fit rider. Included in Rapha Continental’s 2009 tour of the Top 25 Epic Rides in North America, and called by the Rapha riders “one of the most demanding and stunning rides of the summer”, the Diabolical Double is destined to become a true North American cycling classic.

The “Savage Century” – at 105 miles and 12,700 feet of climbing, the Savage Century is a very challenging century ride in its own right despite playing second fiddle to the Diabolical Double. The Savage Century shares the first 59 miles and final 15 miles of the Diabolical Double route.

The “Masochistic Metric” – at 63 miles and 8000 feet of climbing, the Masochistic Metric can stake its claim as the toughest metric century route in North America. The Masochistic Metric shares the first 47 miles of the Diabolical Double and Savage Century routes and includes some of the most stunning rural scenery and vistas you are ever to encounter on a bike as well as the vast majority of the steepest climbs encountered in the Savage Century and Diabolical Double routes

The “Fabulous 44” – at 44 miles and 4800 feet of climbing, the “Fabulous 44” is an excellent option for anyone looking for a longer, more challenging ride than the “Garrett’s Greatest 25”, but is not ready to undertake the extreme challenge of the Masochistic Metric Century.

The “Garrett’s Greatest 25” – A beautiful 25 mile ride through the rolling Garrett County farmland with a challenging 3 mile climb to the finish atop Wisp Mountain.

espite the extreme nature of the some of the Garrett County Gran Fondo rides, there are no qualifying standard or time cutoff restrictions beyond event closure at dusk. The Gran Fondo rides include supply stations, tech/sag support and riders will be provided detailed cue sheets and elevation profiles. Even so, participants should prepare to be self-sufficient for up to 25 slow, hilly miles between checkpoints and supply stations.

To read the full article click here.

Top 14 Deep Creek Lake Winter Activities For Non-Skiers

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Blog

t’s a common conundrum – what’s a non-skier to do when friends and family are hitting the slopes at Wisp Resort? Deep Creek Lake winter activities offers lots of options that can keep every member of your crew entertained. It’s a great way to enjoy a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or Washington, DC.

Here are just a few of our favorite Deep Creek Lake winter activities for the non-skiers staying at a Deep Creek Lake vacation rental:

Deep Creek Lake winter activities

Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park
Crisp white snow makes this beautiful place even more spectacular, and it’s definitely a must see throughout all four seasons. If you’re up for some serious hiking, explore trails to all three of the waterfalls – Swallow Falls, Muddy Creek Falls, and Tolliver Falls. There is also a handicap accessible trail and view platform at Muddy Creek Falls for those that need an easier route or just want to take a short stroll. Be sure to bring your camera and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Trails can be slippery during the winter months. Get more info.

Simon Pearce Tours
Watch master glassblowers at work, then shop for the beautiful items they make in the retail store. You can also choose from a wide variety of second-quality glass. Located in Mountain Lake Park, it is just a short drive from most Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals. Find out more.

Guided Snowshoe Tours
Weather permitting, All Earth Eco Tours offers another great way to experience Swallow Falls State Park. Their snowshoe tours are a “no experience required” way to cruise through the woods and take in the scenery. For those seeking high adventure, ask about their trips to Big Savage Mountain and Lost Lands.

Sleigh Rides at Deep Creek Lake

Sleigh Rides
One of the classic Deep Creek Lake winter activities, you can take a ride back in time as you swish through open fields and over hills listening to the sound of muffled hoof beats in the snow. Sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your age.

Cold Drinks By a Warm Fire
Get cozy by the fire place at local restaurants like Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Uno Chicago Grill or Dutch’s at Silver Tree, and warm-up with your favorite beverage.

Sled Riding at Blackwater Falls State Park
Within one hour of the Deep Creek Lake area, you’ll find the ultimate sledding hill! Head to Blackwater Falls State Park to ride up on a conveyor, sled to the bottom, and repeat! Bring your own sled or rent one on-site.

Sample Award Winning Cheeses
Stop by Firefly Farms in nearby Accident, to check out their award winning goat cheese and browse their selection of gourmet foods. They can even make you a personalized cheese board to go.

Cross Country Skiing
With minimal instruction, you can kick and glide on cross country ski trails at Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park. Call ahead to check for availability of rental equipment.

Shops & Antiques
Avoid the cold temperatures when you visit area shops and antique stores. Schoolhouse Earth, Bear Creek Traders, A Mountain Fix, and High Mountain Sports are a few of our favorites at the lake. Take a short drive to Oakland to browse antiques at Englander’s or Cabin Fever. While you are there, hit up Flipside Sounds – a vinyl shop in downtown Oakland.

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co.
Test your skills in the Deep Creek Lake axe throwing arena! This fun indoor activity is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Museum Tours
When visiting Oakland, history buffs should stop at the two museums operated by the Garrett County Historical Society. Return to the past as you explore area treasures, learn about early settlers, and check out Model T Fords. Call for hours of operation.

Snow Tubing & Mountain Coaster Rides
Wisp Resort is well-known for skiing, but they also offer a variety of activities that anyone can enjoy. Reserve a snow tubing session or take a ride on the mountain coaster.

Arcades
Everyone in your group will enjoy playing a wide variety arcade games and snacking on great food at Deep Creek Fun Zone.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Fun for kids of all ages, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind environmental center with hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland. Open weekends during the winter season.

Board of Public Works Approves Community Parks and Playgrounds Funding

Maryland Department Of Natural Resources

The Board of Public Works today approved the last of 31 Community Parks and Playground projects for this fiscal year, totaling $5 million in grants for new and upgraded outdoor facilities in communities across Maryland.

Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included funding for these projects, through which the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment.

“The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program funds important investments across Maryland,” said Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “These projects create greater access to outdoor recreation including nature trails, accessible playgrounds, skate parks, splash pads, and gathering spaces that connect us with our community and our natural surroundings.”

The following Community Parks and Playgrounds Projects were included in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget and have now been approved by BPW:

Allegany County

Barton
Meadow Park Pavilion
$80,000

Cumberland
Allegany College Outdoor Volleyball Courts
$98,000

Frostburg
East End Park
$26,250

Midland
Church Street Playground Improvements
$185,000

Lonaconing
Town Parks Improvements
$80,310

Calvert County

North Beach
Wetlands Overlook Park Nature Center
$110,000

Caroline County

Denton
Fourth Street Park
$197,262

Carroll County

Hampstead
War Memorial Park Revitalization
$245,050

Manchester
Christmas Tree Park
$52,000

Mount Airy
Watkins Park Playground Phase II
$172,949

New Windsor
Town Park Renovations
$50,825

Dorchester County

Cambridge
Cornish Park Revitalization
$343,784

Hurlock
North Main Street Park
$253,300

Vienna
Vienna Playground Upgrade
$137,040

Frederick County

New Market
New Market Community Park Basketball Court Renovation
$31,450

Thurmont
Woodland Park Playground Replacement Phase 2
$160,000

Garrett County

Mountain Lake Park
Leo Martin Memorial Park
$252,469

Oakland
Broadford Park Multi-Use Trails/Stage Amphitheater
$275,000

Harford County

Aberdeen
Rock Glen Park
$400,000

Bel Air
Office Street Pocket Park
60,464

Kent County

Chestertown
Wilmer Park
$209,394

Galena
Galena Elementary School Walking Path
$90,000

Montgomery County

Rockville
Potomac Woods Park Playground Replacement
$185,000

Prince George’s County

Cottage City
Cottage City Tot Lot
$50,000

Riverdale Park
Field of Dreams Park
$177,750

Upper Marlboro
Upper Marlboro Community Playground Phase 2
$199,000

St. Mary’s County

Leonardtown
Leonardtown Alley Network
$225,000

Washington County

Hancock
Widmyer Park Splash Park
$200,000

Williamsport
Byron Memorial Park Interactive Playground
$202,000

Wicomico County

Salisbury
Salisbury Skate Park – Final Phase
$162,801

Worcester County

Berlin
Stephen Decatur Park Restrooms
$99,000

Since its inception, the Community Parks and Playgrounds program has provided more than $79 million in grant funding for about 800 projects.

5 Favorite Oakland Winter Fest Activities

TAYLOR-MADE DEEP CREEK VACATIONS & SALES BLOG

Oakland Winter Fest is held the Saturday of President’s Day weekend each year. It is a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family. You can stroll through the historic downtown as you enjoy delicious food and fun activities. For the second year, you can buy a $15 ticket for the Wine Walk. You can taste approximately 12 different wines, which will be available at a number of locations throughout the town.

I picked out 5 of my favorite Oakland Winter Fest activities that you absolutely don’t want to miss!

WATCH MASTER ICE CARVER BILL SANDUSKY CREATE BEAUTIFUL SCULPTURES.
Each year, Bill travels from Erie, PA to create more than 30 unique ice carvings that decorate the sidewalks. You can watch his demonstrations or check out one of the interactive sculptures.

TAKE A HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH RIDE.
Take a free sleigh ride through the streets of this picturesque small town. It is a classic winter experience that you will always remember.

To read the full article click here.

Mountain bike trails planned for Broadford Park

The Garrett County Republican

OAKLAND — Members of Oakland Town Council gave their blessing Monday for a group of bicyclists to raise money to develop a system of mountain bike trails at Broadford Park.

Aaron Hordubay, representing the Garrett County Composite Mountain Biking Team, presented a conceptual design of trail routes that would span the length and width of the park with paths for different difficulty levels.

The group last year suggested development of the trail system to fill a gap, as some parks provide smooth, paved trails while others have technical, “aggressive” paths.

To read the full article click here.

Record participants hike in new year Across Maryland

From The Garrett County Republican

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports about 5,000 hikers took advantage of sunny and mild weather New Year’s Day, joining the DNR in the state’s annual First Day Hikes initiative.

Hikers logged more than 10,000 miles on trails in parks and public lands all across Maryland, according to DNR.

Park rangers, staff and volunteers guided hikers of all experience levels ringing in the new year on the trail. With 43 hikes at more than 30 locations, the Maryland Park Service registered 3,834 hikers participating in guided hikes, while 1,152 people hiked 1,516 miles on their own — a grand total of 4,986 hikers, not counting many who didn’t check in with a ranger. Even more people hiked in Maryland’s state forests, wildlife management areas and other public lands.

To read the full article click here.

Plans progressing for Leo Martin Memorial Park

The Garrett County Republican

MTN. LAKE PARK — Plans for Leo Martin Memorial Park are moving along. Mountain Lake Park officials reviewed landscape designer Daniel Lucas’ latest rendering of the project during their council meeting last Thursday.

The butterfly-shaped park is to be located near the corner of Md. 135 and G Street on the site where the Bashford Amphitheater once stood. Martin served as mayor of Mountain Lake Park for 16 years.

Officials discussed the park design, which features flower beds shrubbery, fitness areas, a splash pad, a pavilion where weddings and other activities can be held, an outdoor fireplace, swings, as well as spaces where tents can be set up for festivals and other events.

In the center of the “butterfly” will be a silo-like tower with manufactured stone veneer and a spire top.

“It’s almost like a little castle that’s going to be really visible to the highway,” Mayor Don Sincell said. “It’ll have a spiral staircase and slides for kids.”

Lucas’ current plan shows a circular elevated stage with grass-terrace seating. Sincell noted, however, this feature might be changed.

The town has received Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grants from the state totaling $235,000 for the project.

Sincell provided a brief update on Mountain Chautauqua, which is slated for July in Mountain Lake Park.

To read the full article click here.

Oakland resident bicycles 5,095 miles to Alaska

The Garrett County Republican

OAKLAND — Alan Peachey recently returned to Oakland from an extended trip to Alaska.

Such a trip is not uncommon for those who like to travel. However, his mode of transportation was anything but ordinary. He traveled 5,095 miles on a bicycle.

“I had wanted to do a long-distance bike tour for quite some time, and this is the summer I made it happen,” he said.

Peachey left Oakland on July 19. He biked for 56 days, arriving in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, a few miles from the Arctic Ocean, on Sept. 12.

He averaged 91 miles a day on his trip.

“This was never a race,” he said. “On lots of days I could have started earlier and pushed myself harder,” he said. “Ultimately, it was more of a test of mental endurance than physical. You have to have the will to keep going day after day in all kinds of terrain, temperatures, insects and headwinds.”

To read the full article click here.

Meshach Browning Trail System opens in McHenry

From The Garrett County Republican

McHENRY — Along with the new year came the “soft opening” of a new trail system in the McHenry area.

The Meshach Browning Trail System, which covers more than six miles, is a public, non-motorized, multi-use recreational and cultural resource at the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club Park located at 1249 Bumble Bee Road.

“For almost 30 years, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club has operated the county-owned, 30-acre community park on Bumble Bee Road,” said Chris Nichols, project coordinator for the trail system for the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club. “Over the past few years, the club has made a commitment to improve the facilities at the park to provide more recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors.”

To read full article click here.